| A couple questions [message #7092] Tue, 06 October 2009 05:27 UTC |
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Hello! First of all, I'm a complete n00b when it comes to 3d printing, but I've had quite a bit of modeling experience. So, I had a few questions I was hoping somebody might be able to answer for me.
The basic idea I have is to make a 1:2 scale replica gun. It will not fire anything of course, as it will be entirely plastic, but I do want to put some pretty realistic details in, such as bullets that can be loaded into a magazine and chambered.
I suppose my first question is, when it says 2mm detail, does that mean anything less than that will be ignored by the printing process? The bullet I want to print is about 4.5mm in diameter, and has a little section beveled in at the top signifying the end of the casing and the start of the bullet. In my 3d program it tells me this distance is about .2mm. Will this even show up? (see picture at bottom)
My second question would be, would it be better for my bullet to be standing up on end, or laying down? Being a cylindrical object, I would think the printer might handle it better standing up but I was hoping for some input on this matter.
Finally, do you think this idea of mine is even feasible? The bullet I've designed is pretty tiny already (only about 11.5mm long) and there are a couple of parts I want to design that will be half that size or less. Is this too small for functioning parts? I guess I should add that I plan to use the white and black detail material for these parts.
Thank you in advance for your time and input regarding my idea.
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| Re: A couple questions [message #7102 is a reply to message #7092 ] Tue, 06 October 2009 10:40 UTC |
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Hi TerranCmdr, welcome 
- The 2mm specification is referring to a minimum feature size, not the resolution of the printing process. It is accurate down to 0.25mm. Your bevel will likely show up, as the total difference is 0.4mm between the different circumferences of the bullet. But it won't be obvious on something so small.
- Unfortunately this isn't someting you can specify with Shapeways. It is entirely up to the operator of the machine which orientation your part is built. On a properly calibrated machine, different orientations should maintain the same dimensions, it only effects the axis on which you can see the layer lines.
- I see no problem with what you've suggested, the black/white detail should work for the small parts no problem. I'd suggest they'd probably even be fine in WSF (SLS). But try and keep them as large as possible, you will achieve the best results this way.
Any other questions, just shout
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| Re: A couple questions [message #7132 is a reply to message #7092 ] Tue, 06 October 2009 19:39 UTC |
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Thank you both for your replies. Since the model is a half scale replica, I don't think it could be considered a realistic or threatening replica, but of course that would be up to you guys to decide. However, since I'm doing all the parts individually and assembling them myself, maybe that would take care of that little problem. I suppose we can discuss it more once I have more parts completed. Thank you very much for your input.
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| Re: A couple questions [message #7134 is a reply to message #7092 ] Tue, 06 October 2009 19:48 UTC |
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I just heard on the radio, I think yesterday?, that Snoop Dog had a necklace that was bullet confiscated from him on a plane. The necklace was for bullets for peace or something like that.
The Mad Moder
michael@shapeways.com
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| Re: A couple questions [message #7135 is a reply to message #7134 ] Tue, 06 October 2009 20:37 UTC |
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That doesn't entirely surprise me, seeing as airlines are super strict these days as to what you can and can't carry on the plane. The worst I can see happening is my 1/2 scale 9mm bullet being mistaken for a .22 but during shipping it will be white and quite obviously plastic.
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